Informative Speaking

1. Informative Speaking “We don’t know a millionth of one percent about anything.” -Thomas Edison

2. Analyze Audience • Test topic on audience • What do they already know about it? • Misconceptions or outdated information?

3. Presenting New Information • Present “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “how” information • Define unfamiliar terms/jargon • Give detailed/vivid descriptions, explanations • Use analogies – comparing/contrasting to something already familiar – to explain

4. Presenting Supplemental Information • Research to find additional, less familiar details and facts • Go beyond the obvious and add in-depth descriptions/explanations to what is already familiar. • Narrow a broad topic – provide interesting info to just one aspect of it

5. Presenting Review/Updated Information • Reviewed material – present differently • Be creative – supporting materials that capture/hold attention • Use humor – when appropriate • Present recent info

6. Types of Informative Speeches • Give Descriptions • Describe places • Describe objects • Describe events • Present Reports • About people • Someone of importance • issues • Health care • Stem cell research • Explain Concepts • Define terms • Sexual harassment • Respect • Give explanations • How does something work • What’s the theory behind that? • Why?

7. Guidelines • In the introduction, stress the topic’s relevance to listeners and tell them what they will learn. • Select among definition, description, and explanation to convey your ideas. • Offer analogies, similes, and metaphors to clarify • Combine verbal explanations with visual demonstrations

8. Guidelines • Choose an organizational pattern that will help listeners follow your ideas • Reinforce important information by repeating key words and phrases and revisiting key concepts • Consider how presentation aids can illustrate your points. • Be alert to signs of confusion and invite questions.